Sampras goes to Babolat! (pics incl.)
- Thread starter The Pure One
- Start date
don't feel bad for us, we're having so much fun and pleasure...
btw i'm not a fan of sampras either.
MichaelChang
Hall of Fame
hi young Jedi, that is ok, have fun while you still can. But just to let you know, I am also a babo-lord just like Pete, no longer the Prince kid. (sure you not a fan of me either)
klementine
Hall of Fame
^ I knew it was you Chang.....
I'll never give-in to the babo-side!!! And you're not my father!!! :smile:
But you do bear an uncanny resemblance to my dentist!
I'll never give-in to the babo-side!!! And you're not my father!!! :smile:
But you do bear an uncanny resemblance to my dentist!
MichaelChang
Hall of Fame
try it my young friend, let your hate control your mind, let your hate flow through, pull your babo-sword and kill the Darth-Federer... Soon you and I will control the tennis empire...
Tennis is a game that is constantly evolving - those who don't keep up get left in the dust... Pete's old PS 85 & gut just don't match up with todays Babolat frames and polys.... I think this is also what we are seeing with Federer, again the game has caught up to him thus his dominant reign is past.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
^Michael Chang^
A Hall Of Famer at TW, and also inducted into the International Tennis Hall Of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
Oh, and about Pete using a girlie stick. It's not. It's a little thicker beam than I normally like, but it's nice and heavy with a headlight balance. Solid stick.
We can let Babolat shed the girlie stick label. Laver even uses one.
And now Pete.
Allez!
A Hall Of Famer at TW, and also inducted into the International Tennis Hall Of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
Oh, and about Pete using a girlie stick. It's not. It's a little thicker beam than I normally like, but it's nice and heavy with a headlight balance. Solid stick.
We can let Babolat shed the girlie stick label. Laver even uses one.
And now Pete.
Allez!
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
Originally Posted by MichaelChang View Post
> I feel bad for those who bought a bunch of PS85 and worship the "St.
> Vincent" as the god of tennis rackets, and those who even bought KPS88.
> After all, those rackets are NOT going to make you play your best tennis.
> Hell no. Face it, accept the fact. Even Sampras moved on, he turned to
> the "dark-side", he enjoying the "power" of the dark-side. "More Power",
> says Sampras. Yay. Congratulations Pete, you have completed your
> training, you are now a new Babo-lord.
Actually I do play my best tennis with the KPS88 in terms of matches won.
Better than my PDR - the problem with the PDR is in how it affects my arm.
I don't know what you're smoking but the KPS88 is a more powerful racquet than the Babolat that Pete uses. Only fools would think that all Babolats are powerful racquets.
> I feel bad for those who bought a bunch of PS85 and worship the "St.
> Vincent" as the god of tennis rackets, and those who even bought KPS88.
> After all, those rackets are NOT going to make you play your best tennis.
> Hell no. Face it, accept the fact. Even Sampras moved on, he turned to
> the "dark-side", he enjoying the "power" of the dark-side. "More Power",
> says Sampras. Yay. Congratulations Pete, you have completed your
> training, you are now a new Babo-lord.
Actually I do play my best tennis with the KPS88 in terms of matches won.
Better than my PDR - the problem with the PDR is in how it affects my arm.
I don't know what you're smoking but the KPS88 is a more powerful racquet than the Babolat that Pete uses. Only fools would think that all Babolats are powerful racquets.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
MichaelChang
Hall of Fame
tennis_balla
Hall of Fame
Funny, cheap and crap feel is what I described the BLX90 as when I hit with it.
T
TennisandMusic
Guest
You don't think the pure storm tour GT is a powerful racquet? :?
WhiteStripes
Semi-Pro
In the whole grand scheme of racquets, the PST GT is not a powerful stick. The USRSA's power calculator for racquets shows that there are many other sticks (including quite a number of "player's" racquets) that are listed as being more powerful than the PST GT. I also agree with poster who said the KPS88 is a MUCH more powerful stick, provided you generate decent enough racquet speed.
elbuzzard_lives
Rookie
nooooooooo!
This is like when Metallica cut their hair off.....Actually, this is like when Metallica started making Adult Contemporary music.
This is like when Metallica cut their hair off.....Actually, this is like when Metallica started making Adult Contemporary music.
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
I've been on the Babolat Alliance thread for a long time. I have a PDR. I've hit with a PDT. The PST line is Babolat's control line. My KPS88s hit with more power than my PDR. The KPS is only two or three points less stiff than the PDR and it is a whole lot heavier. Use your head - what is going to be more powerful?
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Say it ain't so, Joe.....
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
Well, with the Head Prestige strung with Babolat RPM Blast at 57 lbs; it was like hitting with a board. The racket really look sharp. I had to really get ready a lot more in advance before I hit the ball because if you are a little off in your hitting point; you got no power! My backhand; you need to get your footwork right and had to make a perfect stroke to hit it!
I kind of like the racket because it make me focus on my footwork and the timing of the ball with the impact of the racket swing. It is a bit to get use too. I was pretty much on auto pilot with the K88! I not use to it of course. It was bit of excitement to hit balls since it really offer no "felling".
The serve had more pop then the K88!
I will post more as I get more into hitting with the Prestige with RPM!
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Since Pete is on record stating that he wished he had used a larger frame earlier in his career when he played on clay, as well as the Pure Storm racquet being used by many of the current younger pros, why do so many assume that he switched simply because he's gotten older?
He surely doesn't NEED the money...and anyway, who says that he's even being paid by Babolat to use it?
For a man that is one of the all-time greats of the sport, he's more than paid his dues and he can hit with whatever the hell he wants to hit with...
Allegience and loyalty be damned...last time I checked it's STILL a free country!
Also, while I'm at it...in response to some poster stating that kids won't even remember Sampras because he's old, they'd benefit immeasureably from studying the likes of Sampras, Becker, Edberg, Rafter, etc so that they wouldn't gag at the net like so many of the current baselining, ball-bashing pros...:?
He surely doesn't NEED the money...and anyway, who says that he's even being paid by Babolat to use it?
For a man that is one of the all-time greats of the sport, he's more than paid his dues and he can hit with whatever the hell he wants to hit with...
Allegience and loyalty be damned...last time I checked it's STILL a free country!
Also, while I'm at it...in response to some poster stating that kids won't even remember Sampras because he's old, they'd benefit immeasureably from studying the likes of Sampras, Becker, Edberg, Rafter, etc so that they wouldn't gag at the net like so many of the current baselining, ball-bashing pros...:?
JediMindTrick
Hall of Fame
It's a low power racquet.
For a typical 4.5-5 player´s swing, I would say a stock PSTGT can give you average power for its mass, head size, balance and stiffness.
However, leaded to 380-390 grs like the one Sampras used, it would generate great amounts of power and spin, but... you have to produce enough swing speed with such a beast.
MurrayisBEAST
Rookie
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Fearsome Forehand
Professional
Maybe this was Pete's way off negotiating his next deal with Wilson.
Although, once a player retires, his commercial value to racket manufacturers diminishes considerably.
Although, once a player retires, his commercial value to racket manufacturers diminishes considerably.
Thank you sir. You have made my week.
Babolat racquets remind me of whiffle ball bats.
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
Pretty sad Pete has to play games to get a stick he likes and garner a contract.
Either they just don't like him personally or he's asking for too much.
Remember when he and Nike split ways and he wore a US flag patch over the swoosh until they came up with a deal finally?
Something's fishy. He doesn't need the cash. I think this is ego talking. I'm sad to think that way. I want to just keep on believing that he is a gracious and humble champion.
Either they just don't like him personally or he's asking for too much.
Remember when he and Nike split ways and he wore a US flag patch over the swoosh until they came up with a deal finally?
Something's fishy. He doesn't need the cash. I think this is ego talking. I'm sad to think that way. I want to just keep on believing that he is a gracious and humble champion.
VGP
Legend
If you read his book, you'll see that he discussed his Nike contract in the early 2000s. He admits that his ego got in the way.
He also discusses his gear a bit and you'll see that he spent way more on strings than he ever did on frames. Wilson wanted him to use paintjobs in the early 90s and he did for one tournament. He stuck to his SV PS85s and played his whole career with those buying up the remaining stock. If anything, he's had just as long a relationship with Babolat as he ever did with Wilson.
The fact that Wilson made a signature frame for him years after his retirement says that they were willing to take the risk. I'm sure it worked out for all parties in the end. Sucks that the kPS88 isn't the classic that many hoped, but it sold and the retailers are able to sell their remaining stock without bottoming out on price.
If Sampras likes his Babolat frames with Babolat poly strings and wins on the seniors tour, that's good too.
He also discusses his gear a bit and you'll see that he spent way more on strings than he ever did on frames. Wilson wanted him to use paintjobs in the early 90s and he did for one tournament. He stuck to his SV PS85s and played his whole career with those buying up the remaining stock. If anything, he's had just as long a relationship with Babolat as he ever did with Wilson.
The fact that Wilson made a signature frame for him years after his retirement says that they were willing to take the risk. I'm sure it worked out for all parties in the end. Sucks that the kPS88 isn't the classic that many hoped, but it sold and the retailers are able to sell their remaining stock without bottoming out on price.
If Sampras likes his Babolat frames with Babolat poly strings and wins on the seniors tour, that's good too.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
^This is what I use.^ A Babolat PSLtd with some custom love.
If someone wants to terminate the contract unilaterally , he needs to pay some kind of penalty ,that in relation to Federer at this case may be assessed by many millions of dollars .
Do you want to pay millions just to play with another stick ,i guess not =)
Show us a pic of Muster with his Babolat, please. I always liked to see him play. He seemed to give 100% all the time.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
^Cue the theme to 2001 a Space Odyssey.^
Genius, man.
Genius, man.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
Front page of the ATP site today: Muster v Gulbis result. Phot of Muster with an APD, winding up for a FH. The grunt about to 'dropp'.
The Pure One
Rookie
Sfrazeur,
LOL. Simply genius! I was looking at those pictures already with the theme of 2001 a Space Odyssey, and when I saw Sampras in that final picture I LOL. Thanks man!
LOL. Simply genius! I was looking at those pictures already with the theme of 2001 a Space Odyssey, and when I saw Sampras in that final picture I LOL. Thanks man!
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Yeah, I remember back when all that went on. Agassi had just gotten a new contract and it was substantially more than they were offerring Sampras. When asked about why he hadn't re-upped, Sampras said "It's about respect". For sure, his ego was talking....
There's a separate thread on that with pictures. Muster apparently made the change after practicing with Nadal. He's using the AeroProDrive.
+1 here! I really liked the 1st picture, recognized the 2nd from the movie and then lost coffee on the 3rd. Pure genius! The look on Sampras' face is seamless in theme with the others!
I think that even a retired Sampras is more valuable than many active players XD
Devilito
Hall of Fame
I bet you the majority of casual tennis fans that only watch the majors on TV don’t even know Pete is still playing. A lot of new casual fans may not even know who he is. Current players will always be more marketable even if they're not big names IMO
Azzurri
Legend
just wondering where you came up with this? do you have any idea how often Sampras is talked about? I think you underestimate Pete's popularity (and I don't mean he is the most liked, but the guy played long enough and won enough to be highly recognized and talked about).
VGP
Legend
It totally depends on the market and region of the world of which you speak.
In the US, I'm sure that Sampras is more marketable than Tomas Berdych, Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer, and Mikhail Youzhny combined. I'm talking top 10 guys as of this post. Whereas Verdasco and Ferrer would be more marketable in Spain or spanish speaking countries than Sampras.
I'm sure Michael Chang is currently more marketable in China than every male player in the top 50 who's not in the top 4 (Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, and Murray).
Leander Paes and Sania Mirza are huge in India, but they can casually stroll the grounds when they play Cincinnati......
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